Sink Clamp

ABSTRACT

This disclosure describes a sink clamp and a method of installing a sink that utilizes a quick bar clamp, a sink hook, and a countertop support bar. The quick bar clamp is comprised of a slide bar, a clamp arm, and a bar clamp. The clamp arm is attached to the countertop support bar. The sink hook is attached to the end of the slide bar. In operation, the sink hook is located on the underside of a sink. The slide bar is slotted through the drain opening. The countertop support bar rests on top of a countertop. When an installer utilizes the bar clamp, the sink is raised to the underside of the countertop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a device and a method for installing a sink.

Background—Prior Art

Sinks are in almost every single home and building that have beenconstructed in the last hundred years. There are an almost infinitenumber of different types of sinks. One type of a very common andpopular sink is an under-mounted sink. Under-mounted sinks are installedbelow the countertop surface. The edge of the countertop material isexposed where a hole has been created for the sink. The under-mountedsink is then attached to the underside of the countertop or the cabinet.

Installing under-mounted sinks is extremely difficult. When a typicalsink is installed, its rim rests on top of the countertop. This allowsthe installer to make small adjustments to the location of the sink andthen glue or attach the sink to the countertop or cabinet. Withunder-mounted sinks, the rim of the sink is under the countertop. Thus,the under-mounted sink has nothing to support it when it is firstinstalled. The installation of an under-mounted sink generally requirestwo installers.

To install an under-mounted sink, first an adhesive is generally placedon the rim of the under-mounted sink. Next, one installer is required tohold the sink in place, while the second installer clamps the sink on tothe countertop or cabinet. Once the sink is clamped, the installers canonly make minor adjustments to the location of the sink. If theinstallers fail to place the under-mounted sink in the correct position,or if they need to make adjustments, the clamps must be completelyremoved and the installers must start over again. If the adhesive isdry, the adhesive must be removed before an attempt is made to reset theunder-mounted sink. The other option is to simply replace the sink. Bothoptions are very costly and time-consuming. Once the sink is in thecorrect position, a silicone-based sealant is usually used to ensure awaterproof joint between the sink and the countertop material.

The previously described method of installing an under-mounted sink hasseveral limitations. The method is extremely labor-intensive and takestwo installers. Once the sink is set, only minor adjustments can be madeto the sink's location. Making major adjustments requires resetting thesink, which is even more labor-intensive. If the sink is not correctlyinstalled, the sink and the countertop may need to be completelyreplaced. In addition, if the sink is not correctly installed, thejunction between the countertop and the under-mounted sink may leak.

While there have been some attempts to resolve these issues, the priorsystems are very costly, complicated, and large. There remains a needfor a device that reduces the labor time needed to install anunder-mounted sink and that only requires a single installer. Inaddition, the device should allow the installer to make both minor andlarge adjustments to the sink's position quickly and easily.Furthermore, the device must be easily storable. Such a device woulddecrease the cost of under-mounted sinks while also increasing thequality of the installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a sink clamp that utilizes a quick bar clamp, a sinkhook, and a countertop support bar. The quick bar clamp is comprised ofa slide bar and a bar clamp. The bar clamp is attached to the countertopsupport bar. The sink hook is attached to the end of the slide bar.

In operation, the sink hook and a portion of the slide bar are slottedthrough the drain opening in a sink. The countertop support bar rests ontop of a countertop. When an installer activates the bar clamp, theslide bar moves through the bar clamp. The movement of the slide barcauses the sink to raise toward the underside of the countertop.

Another aspect of the invention is that the device can be easilyswitched from a storage configuration to an operational configuration.In a storage configuration, the countertop support bar and the sink hookrun parallel to the slide bar. In an operational configuration, thecountertop support bar and the sink hook are perpendicular to the slidebar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in certain parts and in the arrangement ofparts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail inthe specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, which fora part hereof:

FIG. 1 shows a prospective side view illustrating a sink clamppositioned on a countertop with the sink clamp holding a sink in aninstalled position;

FIG. 2 shows a prospective side view of the sink clamp with thecountertop support bar at a slight angle from the slide bar,illustrating the pivot point of the sink clamp;

FIG. 3 shows a prospective top view of the sink clamp positioned on acountertop, with the sink clamp holding a sink in an installationposition to be installed;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the sink clamp in the operational position,with the slide bar perpendicular to the countertop support bar and thesink clamp opened;

FIG. 5 shows a prospective side view of the sink clamp in the standbyposition;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the sink clamp, sink, and countertop;

FIG. 7 shows a prospective side view of the sink clamp in theoperational position, with the slide bar perpendicular to the countertopsupport bar and the sink clamp opened; and

FIG. 8 shows a prospective side view illustrating the sink clamppositioned on a countertop, with the sink clamp holding a sink inposition to be installed, with a gap between the sink and thecountertop. In this position, an installer can easily make adjustmentsto the location of the sink.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following discussion describes embodiments of the invention andseveral variations of these embodiments. This discussion should not beconstrued, however, as limiting the invention to these particularembodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerousother embodiments as well. It is not necessary that the device have allthe features described below with regard to the specific embodiment ofthe invention shown in the figures.

In the following description of the invention, certain terminology isused for the purpose of reference only, and is not intended to belimiting. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” and “below” refer todirections in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as“inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from,respectively, the geometric center of the component described. Termssuch as “side,” “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” describethe orientation of portions of the component within a consistent butarbitrary frame of reference, which is made clear by reference to thetext and the associated drawings describing the component underdiscussion. Such terminology includes words specifically mentionedabove, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 is a clamp 2, embodyingfeatures of the present invention comprising a slide bar 20, a clamp arm16, a sink hook 10, and a countertop support bar 8. The clamp arm 16 ismoveable and stationary, connected to the slide bar 20. The countertopsupport bar 8 is pivotally attached to the clamp arm 16, as described inmore detail below. The sink hook 10 is attached to the slide bar 20.

The slide bar 20 and the clamp arm 16 are a standard quick bar clamp.However, it is understood that the invention may be employed in anynumber of bar clamps without departing from the principles of thepresent invention. The slide bar 20 passes through the clamp arm 16,such that a user may cause the clamp arm 16 to move along thelongitudinal axis on the slide bar 20. When not engaged by a user, theclamp arm 16 is stationary and connected to the slide bar 20. The clamparm 16 comprises a grip 24, a drive handle 22, and a clamp support 28.When a force is applied to the drive handle 22, the slide bar 20 movesalong through the clamp arm 16. Generally, the force is created by auser's hand. Standard quick bar clamps are known for having enormousforce.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the clamp arm 16 is connected to thecountertop support bar 8. The clamp arm 16 and countertop support bar 8are connected by a pivot 26. The pivot 26 acts as a hinge connection,such that the clamp arm 16 and the countertop support bar 8 are allowedto rotate so that when the clamp 2 is in the operational position, thelongitudinal axis of the clamp arm 16 is at an approximate ninety-degreeangle from the longitudinal axis of the slide bar 20. When the clamp 2is in the storage position, the longitudinal axis of the clamp arm 16and the longitudinal axis of the slide bar 20 are approximatelyparallel. When the clamp 2 is in the operational position and the clamparm 16 exerts a force against the pivot 26, this prevents the movementof the pivot 26.

To provide additional support for the pivot 26, a pivot block 32 islocated between the clamp support 28 and the countertop support bar 8.The pivot block 32 allows the force from the clamp arm 16 to betransferred to the countertop support bar 8 so that when the clamp arm16 applies a force to the countertop support bar 8, the pivot block 32aids in transferring the force to the countertop support bar 8.

The slide bar 20 has a first end 50 and a second end 52. Located at thefirst end 50 is a bar stop 30. The bar stop 30 prevents the clamp arm 16from sliding off the slide bar 20. The second end 52 is located on theopposite end of the longitudinal axis of the slide bar 20. Located nearthe second end 52 is the sink hook 10. However, the sink hook 10 may belocated anywhere along the slide bar 20. In order to reinforce the slidebar 20, a slide bar support 38 is located at the same location as thesink hook 10. The slide bar support 38 is made of a material that canwithstand a considerable tension force. The slide bar support 38 allowsfor the diameter of the slide bar 20 to be reduced. As described indetail below, when the sink hook 10 is in the storage position, the sinkhook 10 can fold into the slide bar support 38. This configurationreduces the overall size of the second end 52 and sink hook 10. It alsoprovides the additional strength needed to support a sink 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, the length of the countertop support bar 8 isgenerally longer than a typical sink opening 54. Generally, the overalllength of the countertop support bar 8 is between one to five feet long.As illustrated in FIG. 2, to reinforce the countertop support bar 8, aflange 34 runs along the longitudinal axis of the countertop support bar8. In practice, there are two flanges 34 on each side of the countertopsupport bar 8. To reduce the weight of the countertop support bar 8 andto allow the clamp arm 16 to travel through the countertop support bar8, there is at least one slot 14. The length and size of the slot 14 mayvary. As shown in FIG. 2, the width and the length of the slot 14 mustbe large enough to allow for the clamp arm 16 to travel through thecountertop support bar 8. The countertop support bar 8 is made from anyridged material that can support the weight of a sink and withstand theforces applied by the clamp arm 16. In practice, the clamp arm 16 ismanufactured from steel or aluminum. To prevent scratching a countertop4 or cabinet, a rubber pad (not shown) may be placed between thecountertop support bar 8 and the countertop 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the sink hook 10 is located along the slidebar 20. Generally, the sink hook 10 would be located at the second end52. The sink hook 10 is attached to the slide bar 20 with a sink hookhinge 36 connection. The sink hook hinge 36 allows the sink hook 10 torotate to be either perpendicular or parallel to the slide bar 20. Whenthe sink hook 10 and the slide bar 20 are inserted into a drain opening37 (generally located at the base of the sink 6), the sink hook 10 isparallel to the slide bar 20. Once the sink hook 10 and the slide bar 20are inserted into the drain opening 37, the sink hook 10 is rotated suchthat the sink hook 10 is perpendicular to the slide bar 20. Thisconfiguration allows the clamp 2 to hold the sink 6. A detent device(not shown) may be located to prevent the sink hook 10 from rotatingfreely.

To prevent damage to the sink 6 and to prevent the users from insertingthe slide bar 20 too far into the drain opening 37, a guild block 12 islocated near the second end 52 above the sink hook 10. In practice, theguild block 12 would be located approximately one to eight inches abovethe sink hook 10.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, the sink hook 10 has a U-shape. As shownin FIG. 5, the U-shape configuration allows the sink hook 10 to foldaround the slide bar 20 and the slide bar support 38. This reduces theoverall bulk of the clamp 2. As described above, the configurationallows the user to easily insert the sink hook 10 and slide bar 20 intothe drain opening 37. When the sink hook 10 is through the drain opening37 and in the operational position, the sink hook 10 has a cantileverconfiguration. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that thesink hook 10 may have several different shapes and configurations tothose shown such as a hook. The length of the sink hook 10 must be atleast long enough to span the length of a drain opening 37. In practice,the sink hook 10 length would be between one to six inches. The sinkhook 10 may be made of any ridge material that would support a sink;generally, the sink hook 10 would be made of steel or aluminum.

To operate the clamp 2, the sink 6 is placed under the countertop 4.While the sink hook 10 is in the storage position and the countertopsupport bar 8 is at a slight angle to the slide bar 20 as shown in FIG.2, the sink hook 10 and the second end 52 of the slide bar 20 areinserted into the drain opening 37. The installer rotates the sink hook10 from the closed position to the open position as shown in FIG. 7.

The installer lifts the sink 6 and the clamp 2 such that the countertopsupport bar 8 is located above the countertop 4. The countertop supportbar 8 is then rotated to the operational position as shown in FIG. 7.Next, the installer rotates the countertop support bar 8, such that thecountertop support bar 8 is perpendicular to the slide bar 20 andparallel to the countertop 4. The countertop support bar 8 is thenpositioned on top of the countertop 4 as shown in FIG. 8.

When the installer applies pressure to the drive handle 22, the clamparm 16 is activated thus moving the slide bar 20. The movement of theslide bar 20 causes the sink 6 to rise closer to the underside of thecountertop 4.

Once the sink 6 is near the countertop 4, a gap 40 is created betweenthe sink 6 and the countertop 4. The installer may make any necessaryadjustments to ensure that the sink 6 is located properly in the sinkopening 54. The installer then places adhesive on a sink rim 42. Next,the installer applies pressure to the drive handle 22, again causing thesink 6 to move toward the countertop 4. Once the sink rim 42 comes intocontact with the countertop 4, the user can apply additional force toensure a tight fit between the sink rim 42 and the countertop 4.

A variety of different permutations of the invention is contemplated andnot meant to be limited by this disclosure. The present invention is notlimited to the preferred embodiments described in this section. Theembodiments are merely exemplary, and one skilled in the art willrecognize that many others are possible in accordance with thisinvention. Having now generally described the invention, the same willbe more readily understood through references to the above descriptionsand drawings, which are provided by way of illustration, and are notintended to be limiting of the present invention, unless so specified.Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” forperforming a specified function, or “steps” for performing a specifiedfunction, should not be interpreted as a “means” or “steps” clause asspecified in 35 U.S.C. §112.

All features disclosed in the specification—including the claims,abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or processdisclosed—may be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Eachfeature disclosed in the specification—including the claims, abstracts,and drawings—can be replaced by alternative features serving the same,equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus,unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only oneexample of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

What is claimed:
 1. A clamp comprising: (a) a slide bar, having a firstand a second end; (b) a bar clamp, having a grip and a drive handle;wherein when a force is applied to the drive handle, the bar clamp movesalong the longitudinal axis on the slide bar; (c) a countertop supportbar, the countertop support bar is connected to the bar clamp; (d) asink hook, wherein the sink hook is connected to the slide bar.
 2. Thedevice as recited in claim 1, wherein said countertop support bar isconnected to said bar clamp by a pivot connection.
 3. The device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said countertop support bar has at least oneslot.
 4. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said countertopsupport bar has at least one flange.
 5. The device as recited in claim1, wherein said sink hook is connected to the slide bar by a sink hookhinge.
 6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said sink hook has aU-shape configuration.
 7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein aslide bar support is located at said second end, wherein the slide barsupport provides additional strength to said slide bar.
 8. The device asrecited in claim 1, wherein a guild block is connected to said slide barnear said second end.
 9. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein saidsink hook and said countertop support bar are made of aluminum.
 10. Amethod of installing a sink, the method comprising: (a) a clampcomprising a slide bar, having a first and a second end; a bar clamp,having a grip and a drive handle; wherein when a force is applied to thedrive handle, the bar clamp moves along the longitudinal axis on theslide bar; a countertop support bar—the countertop support bar isconnected to the bar clamp; and a sink hook, wherein the sink hook isconnected to the slide bar; (b) placing the sink hook and portion of theslide bar through a drain opening; (c) placing the countertop supportbar on a countertop; (d) engaging the bar clamp such that the slide barmoves and causes the sink to rise; and (e) attaching the sink to thecountertop.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein saidcountertop support bar is connected to said bar clamp by a pivotconnection.
 12. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein saidcountertop support bar has at least one slot.
 13. The method as recitedin claim 10, wherein said countertop support bar has at least oneflange.
 14. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein said sink hook isconnected to the slide bar by a sink hook hinge.
 15. The method asrecited in claim 10, wherein said sink hook has a U-shape configuration.16. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein a slide bar support islocated at said second end, wherein the slide bar support providesadditional strength to said slide bar.
 17. The method as recited inclaim 10, wherein a guild block is connected to said slide bar near saidsecond end.
 18. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein said sinkhook and said countertop support bar are made of aluminum.